Deaflympics 2013 in Sofia
|
|
George Vella Represented Malta at the Deaflympics
The Deaf Sports Association of Malta is proud to announce that Deaflympian George Vella has competed in the 22nd Summer Deaflympics in Sofia, Bulgaria from July 26th to the 4th August 2013. He was the only athlete representing Malta at the Deaflympics and travelled without an official due to limited funds. He has participated in two Athletics events: the 400m (1 lap) and the 800m (2 laps). His main aim was to qualify for the semi-final of one of these events, although his preferred event is the 800m.
Mr. Vella is a dedicated athlete who usually practices triathlon but since there triathlon event in the Deaflympics he switched to athletics. He successfully qualified in a local 800m race, last April for Deaflympics according Deaflympics` strict qualifying standards.
The Summer Deaflympics are among the world's fastest growing sporting events. More than 2,500 Deaf athletes and officials from 77 nations participated in the 21st Summer Deaflympics in Taipei, Taiwan in September 2009. The International Olympic Committee sanctions the Summer and Winter Deaflympics. More details can be found on their website: http://www.deaflympics.com
Mr. Vella who has been a keen sportsman since 1997 was honored to participate once again in the Deaflympics and. The Deaf People Association (Malta) are very proud of his achievements. His biggest challenge is not the competition itself, but the challenge of securing funds to cover travel and participation costs. Unlike hearing elite Olympians, Deaf athletes like Mr. Vella must do their own fundraising because he does not receive any financial support locally. As a result he faces two big challenges to reach Deaflympics participation: fundraising whilst maintaining a strict training regime.
Mr. Vella is a dedicated athlete who usually practices triathlon but since there triathlon event in the Deaflympics he switched to athletics. He successfully qualified in a local 800m race, last April for Deaflympics according Deaflympics` strict qualifying standards.
The Summer Deaflympics are among the world's fastest growing sporting events. More than 2,500 Deaf athletes and officials from 77 nations participated in the 21st Summer Deaflympics in Taipei, Taiwan in September 2009. The International Olympic Committee sanctions the Summer and Winter Deaflympics. More details can be found on their website: http://www.deaflympics.com
Mr. Vella who has been a keen sportsman since 1997 was honored to participate once again in the Deaflympics and. The Deaf People Association (Malta) are very proud of his achievements. His biggest challenge is not the competition itself, but the challenge of securing funds to cover travel and participation costs. Unlike hearing elite Olympians, Deaf athletes like Mr. Vella must do their own fundraising because he does not receive any financial support locally. As a result he faces two big challenges to reach Deaflympics participation: fundraising whilst maintaining a strict training regime.
